City Park (Városliget)

City Park Városliget, the enchanting green oasis in the heart of bustling Budapest, is not just a park, but a treasure trove of cultural and historical attractions waiting to be discovered.

Highlights

• Stroll through the lush greenery of City Park Városliget, a 302-acre oasis boasting a zoo, a circus, a thermal bath, and museums. 
• Marvel at the stunning architecture of Vajdahunyad Castle, a fairytale-like structure that showcases a variety of architectural styles from around Hungary.
• Plunge into the warm waters of Széchenyi Thermal Bath, one of the largest spa  complexes in Europe, to unwind after a day of exploring.

Tickets & Prices

City Park itself is free to enter, but certain attractions within it have seasonal pricing. For instance, the City Park Ice Rink typically charges around 1,500 HUF for adults and 1,000 HUF for children during the skating season, with additional fees for skate rental and lockers. In the summer, boat rentals on the lake cost approximately 2,000 HUF per hour for a rowboat or paddleboat.

For a unique aerial view, BalloonFly offers 15-minute balloon rides for about 8,500 HUF per adult.  Children and group discounts might be available, so it’s a good idea to check the BalloonFly website for the most current pricing and availability.

Opening Hours

City Park (Városliget) in Budapest is open 24 hours a day, providing unrestricted access for visitors at any time. However, it’s important to note that individual attractions within the park, such as museums, the Budapest Zoo, and Széchenyi Thermal Bath, have specific opening hours. Be sure to check the schedules of these attractions to plan your visit accordingly.

What to see and do

There are countless activities and sights to explore in and around City Park, ensuring a memorable visit.

Visit Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere)

When you first step into Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere), you’re immediately struck by its monumental significance. As one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site, this square is a testament to Hungary’s rich history and cultural heritage.

At the heart of the square stands the Millennium Monument, crowned by the majestic Archangel Gabriel statue. Gabriel holds the Hungarian Holy Crown and the apostolic double cross, symbolizing the country’s Christian roots. The two semicircular colonnades flanking the monument are lined with statues of Hungary’s most revered leaders, including King Saint Stephen, who established Hungary as a Christian kingdom.

Heroes’ Square is more than just a collection of statues; it’s a gateway to City Park and an ideal starting point for your exploration. The square’s historical and cultural weight makes it a must-visit.

Practical Tips: To fully appreciate the square’s grandeur, aim to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. And if you have the chance, come back at night—Heroes’ Square is beautifully lit, offering a completely different, almost magical, perspective.

Relax at Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Imagine soaking in warm, mineral-rich waters while surrounded by neo-Baroque architecture—this is the Széchenyi Thermal Bath experience. As one of the largest and most famous thermal baths in Europe, Széchenyi offers a variety of indoor and outdoor pools with temperatures ranging from pleasantly warm to piping hot.

The thermal waters are said to have medicinal benefits, ideal for soothing aching muscles and joints. Besides the pools, Széchenyi provides a range of spa services, from massages to mud treatments. Picture yourself unwinding in a luxurious setting that has been a sanctuary for relaxation since 1913.

Insider Tips: Visiting on a weekday can save you from the weekend rush. And don’t miss the unique experience of winter bathing—there’s something surreal about lounging in a warm outdoor pool while snowflakes drift around you. Remember to bring swimwear, flip-flops, and a towel, but don’t worry if you forget; you can rent these on-site.

Explore Vajdahunyad Castle

Vajdahunyad Castle is like stepping into a fairytale, with its eclectic mix of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles. Originally constructed for the Millennial Exhibition in 1896, the castle was meant to showcase Hungary’s architectural evolution.

Inside, you’ll find the Hungarian Agricultural Museum, where you can delve into Hungary’s rural heritage. The castle grounds are also a venue for the annual Vajdahunyad Castle Summer Festival, a delightful mix of concerts and cultural events.

Key Attraction: Don’t miss the museum inside the castle—it’s a treasure trove of artifacts and exhibits. And if you visit during the summer festival, you’re in for an extra treat with live music and performances.

Discover the Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden

For a family-friendly outing, the Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden is a perfect choice. With over 1,000 animal species and countless plant varieties, there’s something for everyone. Unique exhibits like the Palm House and the Japanese Garden provide an immersive experience, while interactive zones such as petting zoos and animal feeding sessions make it an engaging visit for kids and adults alike.

Insider Tips: Time your visit during feeding sessions for a more engaging experience. And when hunger strikes, there are several dining options within the zoo, making it convenient for a family outing. Plan to spend at least half a day here to fully explore all that the zoo and botanical garden have to offer.

Enjoy Boating on the City Park Lake

Boating on the City Park Lake is a serene escape from the hustle and bustle. During spring and summer, you can rent paddleboats or rowboats and glide across the tranquil waters, soaking in picturesque views of the park and Vajdahunyad Castle.

Personal Tips: Bring a picnic to enjoy on the lake’s shore after your boating adventure. And if you visit in winter, the lake transforms into an ice skating rink—another magical experience you won’t want to miss.

Stroll Through the City Park

City Park is a haven for leisurely strolls and scenic walks. With its beautifully landscaped paths, flower gardens, statues, and fountains, it’s a feast for the senses. Walking through the park in autumn is particularly enchanting, with vibrant fall foliage creating a colorful canopy overhead.

Hidden Gems: Keep an eye out for the hidden statues and lesser-known monuments scattered throughout the park. These charming surprises add an element of discovery to your stroll. And if you’re looking for a quiet spot to read or relax, the park’s shaded benches offer the perfect retreat.

Visit the Museum of Fine Arts

Art enthusiasts will find the Museum of Fine Arts a treasure trove of artistic wonders. The museum houses a diverse collection ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary art. Must-see masterpieces and special exhibitions provide a rich, immersive experience.

Visiting Tips: Allocate a few hours to thoroughly explore the museum’s vast collection. For a quieter experience, visit during weekdays. Take advantage of the guided tours and audio guides available—they provide deeper insights into the exhibits and enhance your visit.

Each of these attractions in City Park offers a unique experience, making it a must-visit destination in Budapest. Whether you’re soaking in thermal waters, exploring historic castles, or simply enjoying a peaceful stroll, City Park has something for everyone.

Directions

The most convenient way to reach City Park (Városliget) is via Metro Line 1 (M1), the yellow line, getting off at the Hősök tere (Heroes’ Square) station, which serves as an ideal gateway.  

Alternatively, several bus routes, including buses 20E, 30, 30A, and 105, and trolleybuses 70, 72, 74, 75, and 79, have stops near the park, with Hősök tere and Olof Palme sétány being the closest stops. 

Tram Line 1 also runs near City Park, with the closest stop at Erzsébet királyné útja. For those staying nearby, walking down Andrássy Avenue, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provides a scenic route directly to Heroes’ Square and City Park.

Nearby Places

Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere): One of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks, celebrating the 1000th anniversary of the Hungarian conquest of the Carpathian Basin, with the Millennium Monument at its center flanked by statues of significant Hungarian leaders.

Széchenyi Thermal Bath: One of the largest and most famous spa complexes in Europe, featuring 15 indoor pools and 3 large outdoor pools, offering a variety of wellness treatments including thermal baths, saunas, and massages.

Vajdahunyad Castle: An eclectic structure combining Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, housing the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture with exhibits on Hungary’s agricultural history and heritage.

Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden: One of the oldest zoos in the world, housing over 1,000 animal species and extensive botanical collections, with popular exhibits such as the Elephant House, the Palm House, and the Japanese Garden.

Andrássy Avenue: A historic boulevard leading directly to Heroes’ Square, lined with spectacular buildings, luxury boutiques, and cafes, and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing Budapest’s architectural grandeur.

Did you know that: (4 Interesting Facts about City Park (Városliget))

1. Home to Hungary’s First Public Park: City Park, or Városliget as locals call it, was the first public park in Hungary, established in the early 19th century. It was a pioneering move to create a green space for the public, setting a trend for urban parks throughout Europe.
2. Site of the Iconic Széchenyi Thermal Bath: One of the highlights of City Park is the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, the largest medicinal bath in Europe. With its neo-baroque architecture and 21 pools, it’s a haven for relaxation and a quintessential Budapest experience.
3. A Celebration of Hungarian Art and Culture: The park houses the stunning Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere), a UNESCO World Heritage site, which features statues of important national leaders and the impressive Millennium Monument, commemorating the 1,000th anniversary of the Hungarian state.
4. A Hidden Castle Gem: Nestled within the park is Vajdahunyad Castle, a picturesque structure that was originally built for the 1896 Millennial Exhibition. It’s a unique mix of architectural styles, replicating various historic buildings from different parts of Hungary.

History

Milestones in the History of City Park Városliget:

• 1751: The origin of City Park can be traced back to this year when the mayor of Pest, Gábor Szántó, started a tree plantation in the area. This marked the birth of the park, although it was only open to the public much later.
• 1810: The park was officially opened to the public as a leisure space, making it one of the first public parks in the world. The original design was inspired by English gardens, with vast green areas, small lakes, and winding paths.
• 1867: After the Austro-Hungarian Compromise, Budapest underwent significant modernization, and City Park was no exception. The park was redesigned and expanded, and important structures like the Vajdahunyad Castle and the Széchenyi Baths were added.
• 1873: The Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden, one of the oldest zoos in the world, was opened in the park. It quickly became a popular attraction for both locals and tourists.
• 1896: As part of the Millennium Celebrations, the park hosted the Grand Exhibition. The event led to the construction of the Millennium Monument and the Vajdahunyad Castle, which remain iconic landmarks today.
• 1913: The Széchenyi Baths, Europe’s largest medicinal bath and one of Budapest’s most famous landmarks, was opened to the public. The baths were built in a Neo-Baroque style and quickly became a beloved feature of the park.
• 1950: The park underwent significant changes during the communist era. The most notable addition was the Heroes’ Square, which was expanded and redesigned to include statues of communist heroes.
• 1996: The park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, cementing its status as one of Budapest’s most important historical and cultural landmarks.
• 2000 onwards: A series of renovations were initiated to restore and enhance the park’s historical buildings, modernize its facilities, and improve its overall condition. The park continues to evolve while retaining its historical charm.
• Present Day: City Park Városliget remains one of Budapest’s most beloved public spaces. It’s not only a place for relaxation and recreation, but also a living testament to the city’s rich history.

FAQ

Map & Address

Address: Városliget 1146 Budapest, Hungary